Centralia, IL-(Effingham Radio)- On 11 Jan 2025 The 5th Division of the American Legion in Illinois held its High School Constitutional Oratorical Contest at Centralia American Legion Post 446.
The two contestants were from Fairfield High School, Fairfield, IL. During the contest each participant would present two speeches. The first speech with a topic of their choosing was to be eight – 10 minutes in length. The speech had to encompass some aspect of rights, duties, obligations, privileges surrounding the United States Constitution. The second speech to be delivered would be from one of four known topics. During the contest, the topic selected would be the subject of the speech where both contestants would present a speech on the same topic.
After both speakers competed their speeches. The panel of judges reviewed their scores and the winner was selected.
The winner of the 5th Division contest would advance to the American Legion Department of Illinois state contest which will be on March 1st, 2025 at Springfield, IL. Where they will compete for scholarships ranging from $1,000 – $2,000. The First-Place winner in the Department of IL contest will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship and then advance to the American Legion Nation Contest. At the national contest they will compete for a chance to win a $25,000 scholarship.
After the computations were completed by the panel of judges. Grady Simpson was selected as the First-Place speaker with Kayden Wells as the Second-Place speaker. That means Grady will advance to the state contest and Kayden will be the alternate to the contest. In the event that Kayden does not go to the state contest, she will receive a $500 scholarship from the American Legion for her Second-Place finish at the division. There is still a good possibility that Kayden could find herself competing at the state competition.
Grady was sponsored to the contest by American Legion Post 176, Fairfield. Tom Seaman, Commander of the post feels that this is a great opportunity for Grady. Grady is a Junior at Fairfield High School and is the son of Nathan & Jessica Simpson.
Kayden was sponsored to the contest by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 176, Fairfield. Jane Engelkes, President of the unit also feels that this is a great opportunity for Kayden. Kayden is a Senior at Fairfield High School and is the daughter of Robert & Nena Wells.
The contest Chairman Ralph Rounds would like to thank Grady, Kayden, their families, Mrs. Roberta Biggs, Post 176, Auxiliary Unit 176, Centralia Post 446 and the entire contest staff and participants for making this year’s contest a great success.
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